Arts & Culture 2nd Annual Chicago Culture Ball

Dr. Mila K. Marshall CNW Staff Writer

Chicago is made up of hundreds, undoubtedly thousands of Black Chicagoans making a difference every day. All deserve their accolades, but 10 very special leaders were celebrated for being extraordinary. After a three-year hiatus, history-making and legacy-building were in full display at this year’s second annual Chicago Culture Ball. Covid interrupted the sophomore celebration which would have been in 2020.

Nearly 500 attendees convened in Ravenswood to celebrate the 2nd class of honorees on Saturday evening February 25th to join the guests of honor and relish in the renaissance of Chicago’s Black economy.

Critics of Chicago culture often ignore the contributions of positive Black influencers. The broadcasting of negative stereotypes has flowers to the individuals that bring energy to the great city of Chicago, as well as create a space to celebrate Black culture, joy and love not only during Black His- shaped local and global opinions of Black Chicagoans. Yet over the years, Black Chicago culture has shifted. Post-pandemic the culture can best be described as having an electric vibe of gratitude and awareness and being unapologetically Black.

“As one of the founders of the Chicago Culture Ball, I’m super happy to be a part of highlighting Chicago’s tastemakers and those that put on for the city. This is for us, by us,” shared Joshua Mercer.

Mercer and his band of brilliant businessmen; Jeff Osujii, Femi Masha, Larry Raji, Ronald Platt, Charles Marin and Bobby Burke, all reflect the spirit of excellence in their respective careers.

Recognition goes a long way. “It’s important to give tory Month but year-round,” said Astin Hayes, Channel Market Manager of Remy Cointreau and sponsor for the evening’s celebration. Hayes herself was honored in 2019 as CEO and Founder of TipOff Game, “a game for the culture”.

Many awardees’ ambitions and motivations were tied to family. Dave Jeff, Owner of PHLI also lifted up his late mother as an inspiration in his life who taught him to embrace being good to others and staying true to himself. Honoree Felicia Foster also attributed some of her success to her mother, acknowledging the sacrifices modeled.

“The fact that the Culture Ball is recognizing me…I’m taken aback, I’m humbled by this experience to know that someone is inspired by me.” - Felicia Foster

Dave Jeff, Owner of PHLI, Chicago award-winning singer and songwriter Jeremih, Felecia Foster, Head of U.S. Talent, Henry D. McGhee Jr., Founder of Henry’s Sober Living House, Jonathan Swain, Entrepreneur and Founder of Hyde Park Summer Fest, Mike Irvin, Head Boys Basketball Coach Kenwood and CEO of Mac Irvin Fire, Ross Mac, Media Executive Macanomics, Val Warner, Emmy Award Winning Host of ABC 7 Chicago, ChiGivesBack, Chicago non-profit and Betsy Ziegler, P.A.C. Award Recipient. Shown with founders of the Culture Ball.

She believes Black culture is tapping into our challenges and our success and that Black excellence should be celebrated every day.

“It’s awesome that there is a platform to honor those of us who are doing good in the community and it feels good to be among some amazing people,” shared Ross Mac of Macanomics. His work on financial literacy for Black communities has been featured in Forbes, Revolt TV, Black Enterprise, and Essence.

All of the honorees have a natural interest in giving more than receiving in common, and according to Jonathon Swain, creator of Hyde Park Summer Fest, it is ultimately love that connects the culture of Black Chicago.

When asked about his hopes for the culture moving forward Swain said, “ I hope we embrace everyone and find ways to connect and work towards the common good of lifting everybody up, If we can do that we are going to be alright.”

At the culmination of the awards, Mayor Lightfoot arrived to deliver an impassioned speech where she too echoed the importance of working together for the benefit of the Black community. For the balance of the evening, local legendary DJ Sean Mac moved the beautiful crowd as they danced the night away.